Global US Imperialism, Muslim Ummah and Pakistan

By Qazi Hussain Ahmed

The US has become a symbol of brutal force and coercion to implement its will on the globe. Its leadership, backed by the world Zionists, has drawn up for it the one-point agenda of mischief on Earth. The sketch it draws is continuously coloured with human blood, particularly of the Muslims.

Since gaining independence from the United Kingdom, the US military has intervened more than 102 times; in different countries of the world, the figure is above 20 only after World War II. It has killed millions of innocent civilians by bombing some 23 countries, that include Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Sudan, Indonesia, Korea, China, Vietnam and many other small nations. US has helped stage uprising in more than 20 countries. It’s secret agencies are known to have connived in assassinating heads of states. They have been planning to kill or help in killing, persons like Suekarno, Gamal Abdul Nasir, General Ahmad Valimee of Morocco, Ayatullah Khumeini, Mua’mmar Qadhafi and king Faisal. This is not merely an allegation. A number of research publications and articles prove the point.

The question is what the US - or the Jews that make the real driving force - wish to achieve? Linking together all the American plans, actions, conspiracies and attacks, we get one clear answer: “to establish a world order in which US wields total hegemony based on its exclusive economic gains and greed; where its world view and perceptions are increasingly spread; where an economic system - based on ever increasing demand - sustains that results in one way flow of wealth towards the domestic and international capitalists; and where the force of media paints a picture that people at large look, think and perceive things as America wants. That U.S. is obeyed, every head bows before it; and everyone seeks justice only through the courts established very by U.S. and under the law that US chooses to enforce.

Briefly, speaking all the moral, cultural, social and economic matters are settled according to its standards, rules and regulations. It was this program, which led America to first institute the League of Nations and then the United Nations. At times it landed its forces in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. At other appropriate moments it resorted to intrigues. Cases in sight are: the imposition of the fugitive Shah of Iran (1953), the military revolt in Indonesia (1965), and the interventions in small and weaker states like Libya, Cambodia, Guatemala, Panama, Nicaragua, Laos and Peru; all in order to advance its hegemonic agenda.

Using the enormous force of its media and economy for promoting it’s doctrine of “liberalism” when US felt the need of Iraqi Oil, or to have a military base in Afghanistan, it found no hurdle, nor cared the least about any censure and reprehension. It ignored what the UN said, and what the whole world expressed. It believed only in its own force to enforce its agenda. Iraq has been, its latest target once gain for the same purpose.

The outlined by General Tommie Franks, the U.S. Commander, to attack Iraq on March 22, 2003 in Doha, include: (i) destroy weapons of mass destruction; (ii) get hold of the terrorists and break their network; (iii) depose the Iraqi regime and bring about changes; and (iv) protect the oil fields. To realize these objectives, the adventurism thus pursued was against all those accepted principles that America itself had laid down through the rubber stamp of UN. US was talking of WMDs, which the UN Chief Inspector Hans Blix and Muhammad al-Baradi had acknowledged in their reports of March 7, 2003 to be non-existent. Iraq having itself destroyed some sixty al-Samood missiles, left no justification for American aggression. The UN Charter (article 2) clearly says that all states are at per in terms of national sovereignty and that no use of force was allowed to change the boundaries of any country. Yet America did it and insists on doing it still more. Concerning the issue of arrest of terrorist in Iraq, there is no agreed definition of terrorist as of today. Practically UN accepts as terrorist whom US pleases to allege. In fact there was no substance in the US allegations.

US goals and targets are altogether different. Nothing is secret any more. To state a few:

1)      To sit right in the center of Middle East and establish command in the region. Then re-draw the map of the region and Iraq itself. (In his press conference of March 7, 2003, President Bush thrice mentioned about Shiite, Sunni and Kurds, seperately). Remember the Imperialists did the same in the past when Arabs were encouraged to revolt against the Turks; then a region belonging to the Arabs, having same religion, culture, ethnicity, geographic contiguity and civilization, was torn in scores of pieces, made their colonies through their vassal kings and sheikhdoms. Now these states are subjected to further divisions in order to impose upon them the Western values and civilization;

2)      To capture Iraq’s oil and gas - the second largest world reserves -; punish Iraq for accepting Euro for the sake of oil and thus destabilizing dollar; and redirect the world economy trend from Euro back to the dollar;

3)      To permanently ensure cheap, safe and uninterrupted flow of oil to the US - the largest world oil consumer. Also, to keep other countries under constant pressure like the Europeans and China that rely for their oil needs on Iraq and the Middle East;

4)      To pave way for action, in the next phase, against Saudi Arabia, Iran and other oil producing countries;

5)      To provide security for Israel in the region (Colin Powell said in a lecture recently that all weapons of mass destructions endangering Israel will be eliminated);

6)      To beef up American military and construction industry by awarding billions of dollar’s contracts, first through war and then in the name of reconstruction;

7)      To intimidate world by tactics of awe and terror through its military and economic supremacy. To re-shape the world and different regions to conform its long-term plans and interests.

With the above said intentions, America has emerged as the biggest world usurper in contemporary history. Chomasky, the renowned American Intellectual, calls it a “rogue” country. To get hold of the world, the merciless killing of a few hundred thousands of Iraqis appears to US a cheap bargain. Apparently, the whole international community stands helpless. However, the dark clouds of American brutalities are clear signals of its eventual fall. For the humanity, it amounts to rays of hope and a new dawn. Let us examine a few silver linings:

1)      The American brutal and naked aggression has deeply touched the hearts of humanity at large. The massive processions and marches since February 15, point to the fundamental changes in the popular mood. Those who are well versed with the history of revolutions know that historic changes emanate from similar point;

2)      The US aggression has isolated it. It has captured Iraq, but strong voices of dissent have started rising concerning US goals in the region. Only a few small countries - mostly not worth mentioning - stand allied to America. Look at the list of the “44” American allies presented on March 21, 2003; it includes: Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Mangolia, Micronesia, Marshal Islands, Iceland, Rwanda, Solomon Islands, Uganda, Handuras, Eritrea and Paula. If U.S. is to submit names of such world political non-entities, one can imagine where it stands, and where this situation is going to lead it;

3)      One thing is certain. The natural rules of rise and fall indicate that after America having vanished through its self-destructive actions, the Muslim Ummah is to come forward and lead the world. The enormous sense of anger and enmity that has reached the point of boiling, is going to turn into volcanic eruption. Channelised in proper direction, this tremendous force will provide a powerful resistance against American imperialism;

4)      Iraqi people have courageously faced American aggression. They are still engaged in making a new history of resistance after the occupation. It proves that the self-styled superpower can be resisted. The impression of American invincibility has been effectively shattered. This is an important and encouraging development. History reveals that big powers faced the downfall at the hands of weaker nations;

5)      Afghanistan had become a quagmire for USSR. Indications are that - God willing - Iraq is shaping into a political resistance and guerrilla warfare that will not let America an easy escape. When the Russian adventured in Afghanistan, Pakistan had realized the fact. Now the Iraq’s neighbouring states feel that let America stay engulfed there;

6)      Afghan Jihad was such an auspicious fountain-head that it has now turned into a running spate. Millions of the Arab and non-Arab young Muslims are now ready to face martyrdom. Iraq has shown new frontiers to these land-less caravans, and those who are eager for shahdah are darting forth from all sides. The scholars have decreed suicide attacks as martyrdom missions. They call it deal (ishtara) of their blood and property with Allah, that has brought terror in the hearts of the enemy;

7)      No fear of death is the deadliest weapon in the hands of a Faithful (m’omin) while that is the weakest point of the non-believer (kafir). This in the deciding factor that takes the former to the victory and the latter to defeat. Millions of the Muslims today longing martyrdom, make the formidable force that can defeat any powerful enemy;

8)      In war, one has to strike at the point most vulnerable. The fast moving campaign in the Muslim world to boycott American-Jewish products will be a big blow to the enemy. If sustained - InshaAllah -, it will become unbearable for the dwindling economies of the enemies. Two hundred and eighty millions Americans are already indebted 12000 dollars per capita, that is the highest in the world. Such a boycott campaign has the added advantage of training our consumers to differentiate between necessities and luxuries. They need to learn how to live with bare minimum and essential, so that resources are saved to meet the challenges from the enemy;

9)      The US arrogance has not only worried the Muslims, but also the Christian European societies. Globally, mass scale contacts are underway. There is every possibility that a bloc emerges to counter American onslaught. The reaction against US aggression provides the hope. In a recent summit conference, Russia, Germany and France warned America from the dangers of further advances.

Materially speaking, the United States is apparently the greatest economic, military and political power in the human history. This un-paralleled force has turned America into such an arrogant and lofty state that its leadership intoxicated with the pride of power, is crossing all limits of morality. This attitude has always been a sign of decay and fall after the rise of the powerful nations. They get entangled in their own set cobwebs. The US President and his close coterie are attempting to give a religious touch to their lust for territorial aggrandisement. No just and peace-loving person, belonging to any religion, will consider this mass destruction to be accomplishment of a “religious” group. Repeated anti-war statements by Pope John Paul are a clear proof to that effect. Fact of the matter is that US invasion of Iraq is the continuation of the 300 years old imperialist lust that has targeted the weak nations.

Alongwith material power, the Muslim Ummah needs to be prepared, through an arduous long struggle, to avail superior moral power, courage and perseverance. More than the rulers, it is the duty of the Ummah at large. The Saudi Ulema have unanimously given the call of “Makkah Resistance” campaign against the aggression. This should be a welcome call for the world Islamic Movements. They should try save it from the influence of the rulers and make it a popular movement. Division of the Ummah through the enemy’s vassal state governments is our weakest point. This division could be un-done by initiating a strong global Islamic Movement and by making effective preparations in all spheres of life ¾ economic, political and military.

Seen in the context of American aggression the current wave of political resistance needs to be transformed into a great civilizational movement. Let the masses be given hope. The strong provocation and commotion waves be harnessed into a formidable force, which then be streamlined for realizing inner reform, social change and governmental reformation

MMAs Stand on Legal Framework Order

In the context of international scenario (examined above), the continuation of a mix of military and civil government in the country, is the source of anxiety. It is a joke that General Pervaiz Musharraf as Army Chief, is under the Prime Minister, but as President, commands him as “boss”. Worst, than that, he being a grade-22 officer, is also subordinate to the Defense Minister, yet heads the whole cabinet as President. As Chief of Staff, he is under the Chairman Joint Chiefs, and therefore, equals in rank with Air and Naval Chiefs. But, as President, he is the Supreme Commander of all forces. The Parliament can impeach him as President, but is safe from such an action as Chief of Staff. These contradictions are so obviously there, yet General Musharraf insists he will maintain all these non-compatable positions.

MMAs position is quite clear, and needs be understood from two angles ¾ one, the army and its command; and two, the Parliament and LFO.

We respect our army. We have faith in it as an institution. We call that its needs be fully met, as we feel the necessity in the background of national defense and security. We shall always be ready for that. But, we have reservations concerning the present army leadership, its moral and operational state and its attitudes. We believe immediate corrective measures are needed. A force, whose motto is Imaan, Taqwa and jihad fi Sabilillah, merits a leadership of correct appropriate manners. We observe with anxiety and alarm the Yahya-Khani culture taking roots again in certain ranks and files of today’s army. This military leadership is so hollow morally that it takes no time prostrating before a mid-night phone call. The weaknesses that made this leadership an American ally, have only brought dis-respect in the eyes of the nation. The level of moral degradation has reached the limits that standing allied with brutal aggression in Afghanistan and Iraq, it sold the headwears of mothers and sister and the innocent blood of brothers and sons for a paltry one billion dollars. Pledging our honour, these people receive some bucks, and then not only squander in extravagance, but fill also unknown pockets. As Iqbal lamented:

They sold a nation; and sold it too cheap!

They fail to realize that a case is being built against Pakistan. Kahuta faces embargo. The enemy, which could not tolerate the 250 km ranged al-Samood, will hardly overlook the 2500-km Pakistan missiles. Our leadership seems unmindful and isolated. Concerning Kashmir, aggressive statements are pouring from Hindu clergy. The external powers can instigate India against us. Because of standing weak, we can encounter a death blow anytime. The American “godfather” is red-faced. It’s second and third rank officials seek Pakistan to “fulfil the pledges”, and that LoC be turned into international boundary. Pak-Afghan border is once again getting hot and inflamed, but our leadership is sitting complacent, giving itself to fatal optimism. It is dreaming only to subjugate its own people. Is this how the national security and country’s defense is to be realized? We see the great resistance of common Iraqis, when their politics hungry army has fizzled out. Still our rulers do not open their eyes. While it is essential that the army remains clear from politics to fully attend to the challenges posed by global dangers and regional adventurism, and that its defense capability and national credibility are kept above all disputes, we also need consensus on fundamental matters and meaningful political stability. That is the reason - and that needs be understood - why we do not accept the Legal Framework Order.

The first thing to realize is that many a time a stand taken with strong arguments and honest conviction is negatively painted by the adversary. The purpose is to hide the weakness of it’s own position. This is exactly what is done in case of the LFO. The government circles have no sound reason to make, so they are only making dust, create confusion and raise non-issues. We firmly believe that an individual cannot be given the right to do patch work in a sacred national document like the constitution. No court in the country can delegate such an authority that some person takes the constitutional document as written in pencil, that could be rubbed, re-written, and changed at will.

With this principle stand, we do not accept any illegal action in the name of Legal Framework Order. However, we realize ground realities. That is why we accept the court-mandated three year’s mis-rule as a matter past and not to be questioned. The Parliament is now there. Therefore, matters be settled on proper floor in accordance with the constitution and law. The past parleys over LFO were intended to avoid problems and to bring the government out of the black hole and to a clear path. That positive intention led us to accept numerous articles of the LFO, or have re-modeled some through acceptable amendments. We stand committed to help pass these mutually agreed items in the Parliament.

One thing is settled for good. MMA will not accept a President in military uniform, nor let the military dictatorship to continue. We are firm on that. We feel it was essential for the army to stay and act within its domain, and let the Parliament do its duty. Army needs an all-time head, as the country needs an all-time President. With open heart, we make an offer. If President Musharraf announces a date to abandon the uniform, we shall get him elected as President before that and will give him due respect as Head of the State. However, if someone is under the wrong impression that we would drop our principle position - now or ever - we can only pray for his mental health.

It needs be also clarified that the military government of Parvaiz Musharraf is extremely disliked by the nation. Majlis-e-Amal has proved its popular position and strength by holding well attended million marches. If this force is turned against Parvaiz Musharraf, he can be de-throned, but looking at the global scene, we refrain at present from taking such a step that can destabilize the country. Better our well-wishing is reciprocated with similar positive response.

Concerning LFO, one of our objection is that it is framed by an individual and its sustenance will endanger the country which does not have a strong system.

Let President Musharraf realize that future challenges can not be met without a popularly participative system; one in which an individual feels honoured, which provides social justice, where the constitution and representative Parliament has upper hand, matters are decided through consultation, and the constitution is meaningfully acted upon. The President should also understand that the religious leadership commands a strong popular wave which longs to see the country system to be subservient to al-Qur’an and Sunnah. It wishes that the national and provincial assemblies and the Senate should sincerely seek guidance from the recommendations of the Council of Islamic Ideology. This leadership does seek respectful friendship with all states including the United States, but resolves to protect the country’s freedom, sovereignty, honour and the interests of the country as well as Ummah. No compromise will be tolerated in these matters. We want an independent and balanced foreign policy and economic policy maintained at all cost. This is what this nation aspires for and is determined to have.

As far as the Jamali-Shujaat government is concerned, we have already clarified it would not be destabilized. Good or bad, it is a democratic structure. We rather ask these elected representatives to stand up with courage and let them not to act like devoted slaves to General Musharraf. Only this way they can make gains for themselves, for their government and for the country and nation. The impression being given is that sans Musharraf, Mr. Shujaat and Mr. Jamali find themselves without shelter and endangered. Musharraf Sahib also seems needing support of the politicians for his extended hold over the Pakistan armies.

The Rising Force of Muttahidda Majlis-e-A’mal

Muttahidda Majlis-e-A’mal is a blessing of Allah for the Muslim millat of Pakistan. It is a starting point for global unity of Ummah. It’s good fortunes and auspiciousness can be witnessed by every faithful. InshaAllah, the days ahead will bring further good tidings.

Majlis-e-A’mal is founded on sincerity of purpose, sacrifice and un-conditional loyalty to Allah, His Deen, the Prophet (Sall Allah o alaihe wa Sallam) and his Ummah. The factor that coments its unity and sustains its existence, is that its every member and worker has accorded precedence to the Majlis’s goals. They have come together on commonalities. In matters of difference, they have resolved to keep silent and show mutual respect. They express only good about others, or for worst, just stay silent. That is why the nation has expressed full confidence and has bestowed Majlis with abundant love and confidence. It’s clear proof is the series of million marches attended, un-exaggeratedly, by hundreds of thousands. This was the reflection of the famous Hadith:

“Whosoever of you sees some wickedness should stop it by force; if not, then expressly call it bad; and if one is too weak to do even that, then consider the wrong to be wrong. This is the lowest ebb of faith”.

Praise be to Allah! Majlis-e-A’mal has taken the nation out of the weakest position, provided it a platform and given courage to openly challenge what was wrong. The millions who were afflicted with grief and vexation over the present-day situation, are standing alongwith the Majlis and challenging the enemy. We have mobilized great multidues and provided Iraq with formidable moral support. We are organizing a movement against the American imperialist designs and assaults ¾ all done within the limits of the country’s constitution and law. The situation has become so vibrant that masses are rising against America and have themselves initiated a campaign of boycotting US-Jewish products. Youth groups are picketing around KFCs, and McDonald’s, peacefully persuading the visitors, who impressed by the soundness of appeal and argument, choose to leave un-served. A mass consciousness is witnessed everywhere, to which MMA provides leadership. All those who love freedom and follow their concience are getting closer to the movement. No where can be found now anybody who could speak for America. The credit of all this goes to none; it has simply become possible by the grace of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

People have rejected the slogan “Pakistan first”, coined by Parvaiz Musharraf. That in fact is “Musharraf First” on the one hand and secondly a highly deceptive move to distance Pakistan from the rest of the Ummah. Faith and conviction make an asset most dear to a Muslim.

This faith is ingrained in the body and soul of every man, woman, old, young and child. If “Pakistan First” bears any meaning, it could simply be that Pakistan be made the Fort of Islam; that Pakistan should be a source of strength for the Muslim Ummah and vice versa. Our only and real goal is to give a shape to the Ummah of Ahmad-e-Mursal (Sall Allah o alaihe wa Sallam); that is also the task of all Islamic Movements in the world. Muttahidda Majlis-e-A’mal is the dynamic force of this movement. Every worker of the movement should set aside temporary gains and interests and must concentrate on the realization of the long term common objectives, which could enable the Ummah to face challenges and ensure the humanity a system based on equity and justice (a’dl).

In the North West Frontier Province, our force is successfully breaking the age-old inertia. People find the Majlis a life - giving welcome change. It may not be readily possible to take the masses into the corridors of palacial mansions, but they can see that their new (Provincial) rulers are living right among the people. The order of coercion and suppression is made to loosen its hold. New laws are being enacted. The prestigious proposals of the Shariah Council appointed by the Sarhad government, have been submitted, which InshaAllah, will gradually be enforced through the Assembly. The foremost duty of an Islamic state is the Nizam-e-Salah, which has come to force at the Provincial level. Every office and public place is providing for that. Special emphasis is given to the areas of interest-free banking, small credit schemes, women’s rights and reforms in health and education departments. The honest, clean and popularly elected leadership of the Province is ceaselessly busy designing and implementing schemes of public welfare. Praise be to Allah! the wave of change that was first brought in NWFP, has crossed the barrier at Indus. Bab al-Islam Sindh, has also opened its heart for it. Good tidings of a great revolution are expected in the days ahead - InshaAllah.

The need of the hour is that workers belonging to any religious group, should open their hearts for others. Let they forget about petty differences and mutual strains. Hand in hand they should mould Majlis-e-A’mal into a formidable force (Bunyanun Marsoos). They should take a lead to approach other religious sections and knock at the door of every person of sense and concience, and bring them closer. Great many political workers outside Majlis, are disappointed with their leadership, because this majority finds the leadership sold to its own interests. Give these workers the love they deserve and seek their association through sound arguments about Majlis’s principle stand. Such opportunities are offered once in centuries, that one can cover in minutes what would usually take years to realize. Put everything in it - your strength, your resource endowment, your capabilities - and absorb people within your folds. Attend to the effective groups of the society, and make them join your ranks. Stay open-hearted and get out of the narrow circles. I am sure this God - gifted chance will bring the dawn closer, for which we longed too much and have put at stake all that we had. Take one step. God Almighty and the nation will come closer by ten steps. Let we capture this precious moment and change our tomorrow into a bright morning.

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Translation and adaptation of the editorial of Tarjuman Ul Quran for May 2003.